Environmental Epiphanies: Exploring the Shifts in Human-Nature Interactions

The experience of epiphanies accompanied by intense emotions is a common occurrence in the context of natural environments. The occurrence of epiphanies is usually reported as a very memorable episode that has significant influences on subsequent cognition and behavior. Despite the fact that epiphanies occur fairly regularly in people's accounts of their outdoor experiences, they have received little empirical attention. In this study, I conducted an extensive multidisciplinary review of empirical and theoretical literature in order to locate data and conceptual frameworks that may be useful in the understanding of environmental epiphanies. In the context of these frameworks, I conducted an empirical study in which I administered in-depth semi-structured interviews with people who had experienced environmental epiphanies. Using qualitative content analysis guided by a grounded analytical approach, I developed a typology and explored common characteristics and trends across environmental epiphany types. Experiences of epiphanies may have important ramifications for the manner in which people develop attitudes regarding land management issues. The study of environmental epiphanies can inform basic theory regarding conservation psychology, environmental education, and human-nature interactions.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Resrouces and Environmental Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Merrick, Melinda

Contributors dc:contributor

• Joanne Vining

• Psychology, General

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3337865

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83129